Distance-learning expert takes over as head of CPD and university outreach

Robert B. Simerly, a national leader in information technology and distance learning, has accepted the new position of dean of University Outreach at FSU.

In that job, he will direct the university's educational outreach, including the Center for Professional Development and Public Service (CPD). The job is also being expanded to cover the growing field of distance learning.

Simerly comes to FSU from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he has been dean of the Division of Continuing Studies and associate to the chancellor for information technologies.

"Dr. Simerly's national reputation in information technology and distance learning promises to keep this university in the forefront of distance education in the United States," said FSU President Sandy D'Alemberte.

Distance learning is the use of technology to allow teaching even when teacher and student are not in the classroom together.

The University of Nebraska at Lincoln offers several graduate degree programs by distance-learning methods, as well as non-credit professional programs for business, industry, agriculture, government and education.

Simerly was an outstanding candidate from the beginning, said Graduate Studies Dean Alan Mabe, chairman of the search committee. "When we discovered the full extent of his experience in distance learning, it became even clearer that he offered an excellent fit with Florida State University's needs."

Simerly received a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Tennessee/Knoxville. He has published extensively in the field of continuing education and serves on the editorial board of the "Journal of Continuing Higher Education."

A native of Detroit, Mich., he has been a faculty member or administrator at the University of Illinois, Syracuse University, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Ohio University.

He replaces Mary Pankowski, who left the position of CPD director last year to become a vice president at Florida International University. Alleen Deutsch has been interim director.